Topic : 09/02 Ask The Doctors

I wonder if the 21-year-old mother of the 3-year-old and 6-month-old set of twins who says she forgets everything from paying the bills, to her child's name, to the fact she has children, who feels like she may be losing her mind is drinking soy?

A month after delivering my daughter, I switched to soy milk, because drinking cow's milk would give my daughter gas through my milk.  At that same time, my wrist joints started hurting and my hair started falling out.  I attributed these problems to hormonal changes.  As the months went by and 2/3 of my hair had fallen out, my wrist pain got worse to the point where I could only bend my wrists back to about a 35 degree angle, not a 75 or so degree back like most people.  My mind was also going away, it seemed.  My snap memory of phone numbers had gone away.  I had to write everything down and I mean everything.  I kept a note on my dashboard to remind me to look at the list in my pocket so I wouldn't forget where I was going or why I was going there or what I was to get while shopping.  Myshort term memory seemed to be non-existent.  I wasn't sleeping, but a few hours each night, then I'd be exhausted and napping in the day.  IT WAS HORRIBLE!  The problems were getting progressively worse over three+ years. 

I was contemplating going to a doctor for a mental evaluation and possibly drugs to avoid entering a mental facility.  It was as if I was developing Alzheimer's or something like that.  However, a friend with thyroid problems and a sister of mine who is a nurse both told me I should have my thyroid checked.  At the same time another sister sent an email saying that even small amounts of soy can sometimes affect some people's thyroids. 

I immediately stopped all soy products, of which I was using a LOT; soy milk, soy chocolate milk (yummy), soy sausage, soy bacon, soy granules, soy chips. 

Within two days my wrist pain stopped.  Over coming months my hair starting filling in to it's previous fullness.  Six months off of the soy I was very excited one day when I came out of a store with my four items and realized I didn't have to look at my list, which I had forgotten I had in my pocket.  One year off of the soy another exciting moment when I remembered a phone number easily -- it was only one phone number, but it was progress.  My sleep didn't come back, but eventually I found iodine supplements (kelp, dulce) and within two days of taking kelp I slept the entire night and wasn't cold all over, as I'd been for quite some time.  (Side note for those not familiar:  Our thyroids need iodine to function). 

So, if she's eating soy, please tell her to stop!  And see what happens.

Thanks for giving us a place to talk here, Dr. Phil and Staff!

And Ask Doctors Phil/Robin.  What kind of question is that so pose to be? I donot unferstand that. See you-

on Tuesday September 02nd, 2008. Sincerley Your. Russell Vlaanderen.---------------------------------------------

I must say this sounds like the only New Season program worth watching, But

I have a question.   My husband of 47 years passed away and I can't control

my great feeling of saddness, and I cry so much, I can't see how it is possible

to ever get through this - however I am the GREAT PRETENDER and no one

would ever know how very strong my feelings of loss are.  Is there any good

place to go for counseling in the North Houston area. You are always sending

persons to very good counselors in Texas, is there one or so in the Houston

area?  Knowing my husband is in God's hands is consoling, but I

do need help - is there any?

 My immune system was destroyed after I successfully completing chemo  3 years ago.

I was getting sick a lot, UNTIL I began taking airborne . I haven't gotton sick since.

It DOES boost the immune system so your body can fight colds, viruses on its own.

I've leaned toward a holistic approach for over 25 years, and  unknown to me I had IN FACT been battling non-hodgkins lymphoma for 2 years previous to "official" diagnosis. I had stage one that was located in just one lymph node when the biopsy was done. I only had this biopsey, as this node had been enlarged  2 years previous and CT scan done at the time showed more lymph involvement. I was told to get a biop then ,but since the node  shrank after I did a herbal cleanse I decided against it. My onogologist was surprised   as I shouldn't have even been alive , yet I had LESS cancer than I had two years before.

So many of the "specialists" ( many of whom get "special" treatment, kick backs from drug companies) will dispute any claims about herbal remedies.

Thank GOD I take an active role in my heath care.

My heart goes out to Kristin.  I can totally relate to her.  I have had the same problem my entire life!  I never knew of anyone who had the same problem!!  I have one size c cup breast and one size a cup breast.  I know exactly how she has felt.  I always felt different, odd and ashamed.  I never "told" anyone either.  It really affected my entire life. Dating was tricky. ( My relationships would get so far and then I would put up the physical and emotional barriers to not let anyone get too close and thus my relationships would end.)

I did meet and marry a wonderful man who loves me completely and we have had three healthy boys and I've nursed all three. However even still I would chose to have breast surgery to even my breasts out .  I am so very happy for Kristin!  She is a beautiful young lady and she should be able to feel for herself what the rest of the world can see.  Thank you Dr. Phil I am so thankful to you for acknowledging this issue!  I never knew of any other person who had this problem and some how hearing Kristin's story makes me fell less ashamed/embarassed Thank you Dr. Ordon for helping this young lady .  Kristin thankyou for sharing your story! God Bless all of you!! 

aja,

I sympathize with you.  I'm so sorry about your pain.  I lost my husband a year and a half ago.  We were only married for 18 years so I can't imagine your pain after 47 years, but I can tell you this.  I suffered the same way you are now.  I just couldn't stop crying.  All I could think about was wanting him back.  I finally broke down and went to the doctor.  She prescribed Wellbutrin for me.  It has helped somewhat.  I still miss him very much but I'm not constantly crying anymore.  I still have a sad day from time to time but it's not as all consuming as it used to be.  They say time heals all so, I'm just trying to be patient.

I really feel for you.  Good luck and try to be patient.  You may want to seek grief counseling as well.  See your doctor.